Hewn out of the living rock in the 1860s using hand tools and blasting powder, Big Hill Cutting was at one time the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere. Taken as it was near the eastern end of the cutting, even this pic doesn't properly illustrate the depth.

The cutting has a long and macabre history, with several workers killed during its construction due to a blasting accident and several drivers later perishing after crashing their automobiles through the old timber bridge's guardrails and down onto the rails below. Despite the history, it's a peaceful and beautiful place.

The old railway line was abandoned in the 1970s and runs for around 50km between the towns of Thirlmere and Mittagong. Although not a proper rail trail, there are service trails parallelling the railway for much of its length. I've walked it a few times, including the trip pictured which was undertaken 2-Boot-Drive Swagman style ;-)

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Q: What are the best motels in Mittagong?

Poplars at Mittagong : Enjoy access to the terrace, and freebies including WiFi and self-parking. Mittagong Motel : Free WiFi, laundry facilities and a picnic area are available during your stay. Grand Country Lodge Motel : Enjoy access to the free Wi-Fi and free parking, as well as room amenities such as air conditioning. Melrose Motel : Free WiFi and free parking are available during your stay, along with room amenities such as air conditioning.

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Our top choices for Mittagong motels

Berrima Bakehouse Motel

Berrima

Louise

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Poplars at Mittagong

Braemar

David

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

Briars Country Lodge

Burradoo

Jeffrey

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

The Imperial Motel

Bowral

Bronwyn

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Mittagong Motel

Mittagong

Maureen

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Oxley Motel

Burradoo

Bradley

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

The Bowral Hotel

Bowral

sara

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Picton Valley Motel

Picton

Elizabeth

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Lakeview Hotel Motel

Oak Flats

Milana

includes taxes & fees

23 Jan - 24 Jan 2026

Camden Valley Inn

Cawdor

Graeme

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

The Oaks Hotel Motel

Albion Park Rail

Justin

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

Unanderra Hotel

Unanderra

Graeme

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Elsinor Motor Lodge

Dapto

Rebecca

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Solomon Inn Wollongong

Figtree

Rebecca

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

The Palms Motel (Formerly Flinders Motel)

Wollongong CBD

Yvonne

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

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Top Mittagong Hotel Reviews

FALLING WATERS COLO VALE

10/10 Excellent

"Amazing cabin for just the one night with our pooch. Very dog friendly and family friendly. Stunning bathroom! Superb location."

Find out more about Mittagong

Mittagong Motels information

Number of reviews	8,658
Accommodation	19 Motels
Lowest Price	NZ$95
Highest Price	NZ$252

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Mittagong?

If you're having trouble locating a motel in Mittagong, consider some of the motels we suggest around the area or let us help you find a similar property from over 62 lodging options. Simply use our search tools to filter by price per night or money-saving amenities such as free parking and free airport transport.

What are motels like?

At many motels, you're likely to find an outdoor pool and a free parking spot. When you stay at a motel property, you'll often have access to your room from an outside corridor overlooking the car park. Motels became more prevalent in the US after World War II when cars became more popular along with road trip vacations, peaking in the 1960s with over 60,000 properties.

What are the best motels in Mittagong?

Poplars at Mittagong: Enjoy access to the terrace, and freebies including WiFi and self-parking. Mittagong Motel: Free WiFi, laundry facilities and a picnic area are available during your stay. Grand Country Lodge Motel: Enjoy access to the free Wi-Fi and free parking, as well as room amenities such as air conditioning. Melrose Motel: Free WiFi and free parking are available during your stay, along with room amenities such as air conditioning.

What things can I to do in Mittagong?

Those visiting Mittagong have good things to say about the cafes. As you're sightseeing around the area, make sure that you enjoy all there is to see and do. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Mount Gibraltar Reserve, Nattai National Park and Mount Jellore Lookout. You'll find these family-friendly sights in the area: Bendooley Estate Book Barn, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk and International Cricket Hall of Fame. During your trip, here are some other places to visit: Destination Southern Highlands, Sturt Gallery and Bargo River State Conservation Area.

What's the seasonal weather like in Mittagong?

Weather can make or break a road trip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Mittagong to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually January and February, with an average temperature of 18°C, while the coldest months are July and August, with an average of 9°C. Average annual precipitation for Mittagong is 949 mm.

What are my options for getting around Mittagong while staying in a motel?

We've gathered some information about local transportation options in Mittagong to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Shellharbour, NSW (WOL), which is located 20.9 mi (33.6 km) away from the city centre. You can also search for flights into Sydney Airport (SYD), which is 54.3 mi (87.5 km) away. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Mittagong Station.

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